Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 28
Prahlāda Rejects Demonic Diplomacy and Proclaims Navadhā Bhakti
श्रीगुरुपुत्र उवाच न मत्प्रणीतं न परप्रणीतं सुतो वदत्येष तवेन्द्रशत्रो । नैसर्गिकीयं मतिरस्य राजन् नियच्छ मन्युं कददा: स्म मा न: ॥ २८ ॥
śrī-guru-putra uvāca na mat-praṇītaṁ na para-praṇītaṁ suto vadaty eṣa tavendra-śatro naisargikīyaṁ matir asya rājan niyaccha manyuṁ kad adāḥ sma mā naḥ
The son of Śukrācārya, Hiraṇyakaśipu’s spiritual master, said: O enemy of King Indra, O King! Whatever your son Prahlāda has said was not taught to him by me or anyone else. His spontaneous devotional service has naturally developed in him. Therefore, please give up your anger and do not unnecessarily accuse us. It is not good to insult a brāhmaṇa in this way.
FAQs
This verse states that Prahlāda’s understanding is “naisargikīya”—natural and self-arising—indicating that devotion and spiritual insight can manifest spontaneously by divine grace and prior spiritual impressions.
He clarifies that Prahlāda did not learn these teachings from the school or any outside instructor, and he pleads with Hiraṇyakaśipu to restrain his anger so the teachers are not punished for Prahlāda’s devotion.
Recognize that genuine spirituality cannot be forced or suppressed; encourage sincere devotion and inner conscience, and respond to differences in belief with restraint rather than anger.